A man in his 80s has been arrested in connection with the incident and detained at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. He was due to be taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Detective inspector Chris Burgess said: “Clearly we are still in the early stages of our investigation and our enquiries remain ongoing.

The incident in Brooke, which happened on Sunday. Photo: Staff

“However, it appears that the suspect and the victim were known to each other and we do not believe there to be any threat to the wider public.”

A cordon was put in place at the address while officers carry out their enquiries.

A forensics tent could be seen at the property on Sunday, though it had been taken down by about 4.30pm.

One resident in Brooke said: “It is a quiet area. It is sheltered housing you see, a lot of people in their 60s and disabled people too.

“It is a very close community. You have got the common room which you meet up for coffee mornings and that of thing.”

Another neighbour said: “It is a quiet place. We are all in sheltered housing.”